IPEd Accreditation Exam

The next IPEd accreditation exam will be held on 25 June this year. Editors planning to sit the exam are reminded that the cut-off for early-bird registrations is Saturday 7 May, and that registrations close on Friday 27 May. Register here.

With over 40 people attending our accreditation briefing and over 25 potential candidates attending Susan Keogh’s preparation workshop, there are certainly a lot of Victorian editors gearing up for this year’s exam.

We strongly urge all candidates to study the Guide for Candidates closely. As with previous years’ hard-copy exams, technique and timing are important parts of the test and this guide steps you through each part of the exam’s timing and structure in detail.

This video, compiled by the Accreditation Exam Board Chair, Ted Briggs, steps you through the exam documents. It includes vital information about what the documents look like, how you interact with the paper (including what you can and can’t do) and tips and tricks for working with the exam paper on-screen. All candidates should be very familiar with all of the processes and skills shown in this video before they sit the exam.

Ten Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of navigational functions will be available in the Word documents? Will I be able to use the ‘go to’ function or scroll up and down? How many documents will the exam include?

A. The exam paper has embedded navigational links, but you can also scroll up and use the navigation pane. To see what the set-up will look like, how you can navigate and how documents will be best managed, watch the demonstration video in the Guide to Candidates. This video explains the different documents involved in the exam and what they will look like.

2. Will my edits be clearly visible?

A. Yes, your tracked changes will show in the body of the text. (Note: you will not be able to change this view to see changes in balloon view.) Make sure you attempt the sample on-screen exam and watch the demonstration video to become familiar with how to work in the on-screen exam.

3. Will the computers be desktop or laptop? Will they have a mouse or track pad or other control? Will the computers be PCs or Macs?

If you require special controls or equipment, please contact your state IPEd exam representative immediately. If you need to use a Mac, make sure you note this on the registration form (there will be a box for you to tick). Please note that there will not be the same level of technical support to Mac users as there will be for PC users, as the Mac computers won’t belong to Cliftons.

4. Can I tab my reference books with Post-it notes? Can the tabs have handwritten labels or is this considered ‘handwritten notes’?

A. Yes, you can use Post-it notes as indexing tabs in your hard-copy references. Yes, the tabs can have handwritten labels.

5. Is there a limit to how much I can type in the boxes for Part 3?

A. There isn’t, but make sure you attempt the sample on-screen exam and watch the demonstration video to become familiar with how to work in the on-screen exam. This will show you what to expect for every section.

6. Will a hard copy version of the exam be available for candidates to read or is it on-screen only?

A. The exam paper is on-screen only. You will get a hard copy of the general instructions and specific instructions for each part of the exam. Make sure you watch the demonstration video and study the sample exams to become familiar with the exam format.

7. Will I be allowed to make handwritten notes on the 'scribble paper' during the reading/set-up time?

A. No. You can only make notes once the writing time has begun.

8. Can I bring in earplugs/earphones to mask the noise of other people's typing?

A. Earplugs are fine to dull noise, but you should still be able to hear invigilator instructions. Earphones/earbuds (for use with music players) will not be permitted, nor will listening to music to mask the noise of typing. You will be required to turn off all personal electronic devices (phones etc) and leave them under your desk/chair for the duration of the exam.

9. What has been the pass/fail percentage breakdown of previous exams?

A. It varies each exam. The pass rate can be as low as 65 per cent and as high as 80 per cent. This, however, has no bearing on the results at all. If all candidates achieve the required standard then all candidates will pass.

10. What is the timeframe for marking the exams and how will candidates be advised?

A. The Accreditation Board will notify you by email of your result within eight to ten weeks of the exam date. However, no papers will be returned.